Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Media and Communication

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Swinburne University of Technology

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Health Science / Bachelor of Media and Communication at the Swinburne University of Technology is a 4-year double degree that combines health science knowledge with media, communication, and digital storytelling skills. It is designed for students who are interested in understanding human health and also want to learn how to communicate health information clearly and effectively to the public.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In your first year, you build a strong foundation in both health science and media. You’ll study units such as Anatomy and Physiology, Introduction to Health Sciences, Digital Health Foundations, and Brain and Behaviour, along with media subjects like Introduction to Media Studies, Global Media Industries, and Communicating with Data. This year helps you understand how the human body works and how media shapes public understanding of information.

Year 2
In the second year, your learning becomes more applied and research-focused. Health science units such as Health and Disease Across the Life Course and Research Methods for Health Sciences help you understand disease, health systems, and scientific inquiry. At the same time, media units like Content Creator Lab and Media Content Creation help you develop practical skills in producing digital and visual communication content.

Year 3
By third year, you start specialising in both health and media areas. Depending on your health science major, you may study topics such as physiology, nutrition, or public health, while media units focus on professional communication and advanced content production. This year is about connecting scientific knowledge with effective communication strategies in real-world contexts.

Year 4
In your final year, you complete advanced study and may take part in professional placement opportunities. Units such as Health Sciences Project and Integrated Professional Placement allow you to apply both your health and media knowledge in real workplace environments. This year prepares you for careers in health communication, public health, media, or further study.

Focus Areas

Health science, human biology, public health, digital health, media production, communication strategy, health communication, research methods, and data storytelling.

Learning Outcomes

Develop a strong understanding of human health and disease, apply scientific research methods, create effective health communication materials, produce professional media content, and combine science with communication to address real-world challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This program includes structured work-integrated learning opportunities such as industry placements and applied projects, helping students gain practical experience in both health and media environments.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The Swinburne University of Technology is known for its strong industry connections, applied learning approach, and high graduate employability outcomes, particularly in health sciences and communication fields.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Swinburne University of Technology, students pursuing the Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Media and Communication have the unique opportunity to gain practical skills that are essential for their future careers. The university emphasizes experiential learning, allowing students to engage in real-world projects, collaborate with peers, and utilize state-of-the-art facilities and tools. This hands-on approach not only enhances learning but also prepares students for the dynamic environments they will encounter in their professional lives.

Here are some key aspects of the experiential learning opportunities available in these programs:

- Health Science Laboratories: Access to modern laboratories equipped with the latest technology for hands-on experiments and research in health science.
- Media Production Facilities: Utilize professional-grade studios and equipment for video production, audio recording, and digital media creation.
- Internship Opportunities: Gain valuable industry experience through internships with health organizations, media companies, and communication agencies, allowing you to apply your knowledge in real-world settings.
- Group Projects: Collaborate with fellow students on projects that simulate real-life scenarios, fostering teamwork and communication skills essential in both health and media fields.
- Field Trips: Participate in excursions to health facilities, media organizations, and community events, providing insights into industry practices and networking opportunities.
- Digital Tools: Work with industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite for media projects and data analysis tools relevant to health science research.
- Research Institutes: Engage with Swinburne’s research institutes, where you can contribute to ongoing projects and gain exposure to cutting-edge research in health and communication.
- Library Resources: Access extensive library resources, including databases, journals, and multimedia collections, to support your studies and research.

These experiential learning opportunities are designed to enrich your educational journey and equip you with the skills needed to excel in your chosen career path.

Embarking on this dual degree will not only broaden your knowledge but also enhance your employability in two rapidly evolving fields. I encourage you to consider applying and take the first step towards an exciting future!

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Media and Communication at Swinburne University of Technology are well-equipped to enter a dynamic job market, blending health knowledge with media skills. This unique combination opens doors to various career paths, including roles such as Health Promotion Officer, Public Relations Specialist, and Media Coordinator. With the growing importance of health communication, the demand for professionals who can effectively convey health information is on the rise.

Here’s how Swinburne supports your journey to success:

- Career Development Services: Access to personalized career advice, resume workshops, and interview preparation to help you stand out to employers.
- Employment Statistics: Over 80% of Swinburne graduates find employment within four months of graduating, with average starting salaries around $65,000 per year.
- University–Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with leading health organizations and media companies, providing students with real-world experience through internships and projects.
- Long-term Accreditation Value: The program is designed to meet industry standards, ensuring that your qualifications remain relevant and respected in the job market.
- Graduation Outcomes: Graduates are not only prepared for immediate employment but also equipped with skills that are transferable across various sectors, enhancing long-term career prospects.

Further Academic Progression: After completing this program, you have the option to further your studies with a Master’s degree in Public Health, Media Studies, or even pursue specialized certifications in health communication. This can deepen your expertise and open even more advanced career opportunities in academia, research, or leadership roles within the health and media sectors.

Choosing to study at Swinburne means investing in a future filled with possibilities. Your journey starts here!